Paragon swoops on UK digital transformation agency

Paragon Group is continuing its acquisition strategy with the purchase of digital transformation agency Reason, a retail and financial services specialist which has built platforms for the likes of Waitrose, Gap and T-Mobile.

Reason was launched in 2012 in London and has about 50 staff, who will now join Paragon DCX, the global division which has a core team of around 250 people and offers creative, data, customer communications, digital experience and marketing automation.

Paragon DCX’s clients include Arriva, Comic Relief, Coventry Building Society, Greene King, Goldman Sachs, Aviva, Health Education England, and Great Western Railway.

Reason’s brand identity – characterised by a people-first culture and collaborative, close-knit working practices – will be retained within the DCX brand umbrella. The Reason leadership team, headed up by managing director Peter Gandy, will also remain unchanged.

Paragon DCX chief executive James Goldhill said: “I’m excited to welcome everyone at Reason under the DCX umbrella – it’s a great way to kick off 2022 for both teams, as well as our combined client roster.

“Reason is a well-respected name in the retail and financial services spaces, sectors we are actively developing. Working together with Reason, and bringing on board a host of capabilities (technological and human!), we’ll together be able to offer more and better services to clients in more than 20 countries across the world. All this, while at the same time retaining the personable approach and boutique feel that has made both parties’ offerings unique.”

Reason managing director Peter Gandy added: “Paragon DCX is a great fit for Reason; something we knew from our first meeting with them. The acquisition means we’ll be able to scale faster and take the company to another level. We’ll be able to share knowledge and expertise while remaining true to our shared core growth pillars: digital transformation, data and AI, agile delivery and service design.

“At our core, though, are our amazing people. Paragon’s size and standing will open doors for personal and professional development, and we look forward to playing a critical role in creating a major agency.”